INDIAN LAND

By Thor Helgeson

1842-1928

Iola, Wisconsin

 

Organization of Townships,

Lists of Early Settlers

Written 1915

 

Translated by Lester Peterson in 1978

Rosholt, Wisconsin

Born 07/06/1899

Scandinavia, Wisconsin

                                               

Permission was granted by William Helgeson

on behalf of the Helgeson family

 

 

                                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                            INDIAN LAND

 

            While settlers were told not to go on Indian Land until the Treaty was made, some went regardless.  And, -- they flocked in before the government could get it surveyed.

           

            The following notice went out from the U.S. Land Office in Mineral Point on December 27, 1951, which was published in the Oshkosh Democrat on January 30, 1852: ---

 

            Settlers upon the public lands, after the extinguishment of the Indian title, - and before the surveys, are entitled to the right of pre-emption by virtue of their settlements.  After the survey, three months time is allowed to file their declaratory statements; the time of settlements and the proper description of the lands must be mentioned, and pre-empters complying in all these particulars will be entitled to pre-emption in accordance with the requirements of the Pre-emption Act of 1841.

 

                                    (Signed)  G. H. SLAUGHTER, Register.

 

 

                                                            RAFTING LUMBER

 

            The first saw mill on the Wisconsin River was built in 1835, or possibly in 1838.  It was built by George Whiting at Point Bass, a short distance below present Wisconsin Rapids.  Ten years later a large number were operating north of here all the way to Wausau, when the War Department sold public land from Mineral Point on a stretch three miles wide from Point Bass to Big Bull Falls in Wausau.

            In the first fifty years perhaps a half billion dollars were added to the U.S. economy from lumber taken from this location which was used in the Civil War and early settlers west of the Mississippi River.  And a billion in those days was a heap of gold.  Any many lives were lost even in those days by accidents in logging camps, at sawmills, and in the hazardous task of rafting lumber down to the Mississippi River.

            Lumber Cribs.  A crib of lumber was usually 16 by 12 feet in size, or 16 by 16 feet, piled criss-cross in 12 to 20 layers, each crib containing 3,000 to 4,000 feet of green lumber.  Holes were bored usually every five feet in planks where “grub-stakes” were inserted.  They were usually cut out of small Oak trees 4 or 5 feet long with a knot at the bottom, shaved down to a certain size, with a saw cut at the top provided for wedging.  The first rafts went down the Wisconsin River in 1841.  But rafting even continued after railroads came to the Wisconsin River valley as water transportation was cheaper than by rail.

            Six lumber cribs made a “Rapids Piece.”  Each Rapids Piece needed a long oar for guiding through sluices and rapids by the river pilots.  Short chains were used for couplings.  Three or five Rapids Pieces made a “Fleet.”  It took 25 to 30 men to guide a fleet to Kilbourn as several were needed on each crib when it passed over a stretch of rapids.  The most hazardous places were at Big Bull Falls, Little Bull (Mosinee), the Stevens Point Dam, Conant Rapids, two Clinton dams, Whiting Rapids, Point Bass near Nekoosa, plus the narrows at Kilbourn.  The rapids at Little Bull Falls were only thirty feet wide but a half mile in length.  In fairly fast water, a raft could make Stevens Point in a day.

            In Stevens Point a “sluice” was built thirty feet wide in the center of the dam with piers below the slide anchored with stone.  Each Rapids Piece had an elevated safety rope called, “The Sucker Line” for the men to hold on to as they go through sluices or over rapids.  When the cribs are submerged, the men can grab hold of the rope and “Possibly” get just their feet wet -- if they are lucky.  At Grand Rapids, fast water in the mile-long stretch requires only four minutes for a crib to negotiate the run.  At this speed rafts sometimes hit a rock and were smashed into splinters, and lumber, lath, and shingles went in many directions.  A man would be lucky to grab a plank to hold until he could hope to reach shore.  Some didn’t.

            Below this place they would couple rafts together and tie up to trees for the night on their way to the Dells.

            Wind was a hazard to rafters and often tied them up rather than to be blown on a sandbar, or pushed into a slough.  Shifting sandbars were bad, but Sloughs were the nemesis of rafters as high water was the only solution for swampland and mud.

            From Grand Rapids to Kilbourn was a broad stretch without rapids.  For several days they could think about “The Devils Elbow” and the swirling eddies through the rock formations.  Above the Dells they would tie up to prepare for the descent, and hire extra men to help bring the rafts through the “Narrows,” and then gig back to ride some more pieces through.  When the rafts were over the Kilbourn Dam, they were coupled together in smooth water, three aside each other, and perhaps ten raft-blocks long.

            From here to shipping points was usually routine, except for meeting riverboats with barges.  They could tie-up evenings and even sleep on shore for a diversion of sorts.  Cities built docks for lumber rafts to tie up to, where crews were ready to break up the rafts and haul the lumber on wagons to retail yards.

            At Saint Louis a large amount of lumber went into river steamers and up the Missouri to the interior.  The early crews returned a part of the distance by riverboat and walked the rest of the distance.  Later they caught stage-coaches from Portage to Plover.

            After “pay-day” they returned to their homesteads to pay the taxes and the bill at the local store, and adding, “Well, this is my last trip on the river.”  He would then enjoy family living for the summer months grubbing land and swinging a scythe in the meadows.

            But in October when cash was getting low, he would think the only work available is in the pine woods, so he would tell the wife that when the cash is gone, she would have to start a new account at the store again.  In the spring he’d say, “Just one more ride on the river, -- wages are higher and I can even ride back on a TRAIN!”

            Wages on the river were higher than in the woods or at saw mills.  An ordinary Raftsman got $60.00 to $80.00 per month plus board, - and room!  An Oarsman $140.00 plus board; cooks $100.00, and pilots $300.00 if they had excellent records.

            Prices at the local store in 1853 were not too bad, -- even on credit, and without sales tax!!

            Rice was 9 cents a pound; pork 7 cents; two pounds of salt 5 cents; 1/2 pound of tea 5 cents; Box matches 2-1/2 cents; vinegar 4 cents; a pound of coffee 15 cents; sugar 10 cents; A-B-C book 7 cents; gallon whiskey 50 cents; 1/2 pound tobacco 18 cents.  Five drinks of whiskey for 15 cents.  (He should have been able to hang one on for about 50 cents!!!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BEGINNING OF INDIVIDUAL COUNTIES IN INDIAN LAND.

 

By Thor Helgeson, 1914

 

            Winnebago County was organized in 1838 with the following townships:  Oshkosh, Clayton, Menasha, Neenah, Vinland, Winchester, Winneconne, Wolf River, Algona, Black Wolf, Nekimi, Nepenskum, Omro, Poygan, Rushford, and Itica.

            Of villages there were:  Oshkosh organized in 1842, Menasha 1848, Neenah 1847, Winneconne 1849, Omro 1849, Medina Junction, Larson, Winchester, Allenville, Waukan, Fisks, Picketts, and others.

            The first white settlers, which people know of was Augustine Grignon a half breed and James Porlier.  They were pelt handlers at Butte-des-Morts 1818-1837, who were the first residents in the Oshkosh area.  On March 8, 1938 was the first marriage performed by Rev. S. Peet.  It [joined] Jacob Jacobson and Miss Emeline Wright, both of which were from the Oshkosh area.  The first born male child born in the County was George W. Stanley.  He was born the 26th of August, 1838.  The first female child was Elizabeth Ford, a daughter of Chester Ford.  The first religious meeting conducted by Pastor Jesse Halstead at the Stanley residence in Oshkosh in 1841.  The first Norwegian service was conducted by Pastor Adolph Carl Preus in 1850 at Winchester.  The first 4th of July celebration was celebrated on Merritt Street in Oshkosh.  Nearly all the whites in the area were present, plus many Indians who had a merry time.  John P. Gallup conducted matters and Joseph H. Osborne read independence quotations.

            Miss Emeline Cook taught the first district school in Oshkosh in 1840.  The first post route was opened between Fort Howard in Green Bay and Winnebago in 1838.  The postman had to make use of Indian methods in his delivery.  On occasions he was obliged to deliver flour or provisions to Oshkosh, which was nearly 50 miles.

            The first bridge in Winnebago County was laid over the Fox River at Oshkosh in 1847.  The first saw mill was built by Morris Firman in 1844.  All materials for said saw mill had to be hauled to the site by oxen.  The first grist mill was at Algona.  The first issue of “Oshkosh Democrat” came out on February 9, 1949.  The first steamship which sailed on Lake Winnebago, Fox and Wolf Rivers was built in 1849.  Its name was the “Manchester.”  Others that followed were the Peytona, Whitacre, Menasha, Jenny Lind, Oshkosh, Badger State, Mitchell, Knapp, Berlin, and others.  The first passenger train (Chgo & NW) came to Oshkosh October 13, 1839. Soon after 3 Oshkosh men were killed (C. R. Baldwin, Charles Petersilea, and John Lant) in a railroad accident at Watertown.

            The first election in the town of Oshkosh was held April 5, 1942, - as follows:  Chairman, Chester Ford; Supervisors, Chester Gallup and William Isbell; Clerk, John Gallup; Assessors, Thomas Lee and Louis Porlier; Treasurer, Webster Stanley; Collector, Thomas Evans; Constables, Henry Gallup and L. Porlier; Highway commissioners, Robert Grignon, Ira Aiken, and Chipley Gallup.  Supt. of Schools, John Gallup and C. Dickinson.  Fence Viewers, Chester Ford and Chester Gallup.  Sealer of Weights and Measures, Jason Wilkins.

            Assemblymen:  Bakkelidstulen, Townsend, Hall, Cary, Craftman, Blodgett, Miller, Reed, Rich, Cary, Welch, Allister, Hanson, Russell, Davis, Knapp, Proctor, Foster, Morgan, Wall, Bouck, Chase, et al.

            Dr. Christian Lind from Denmark, married to a daughter of Clark Dickenson, 1843, is in practice at Oshkosh, Mukwa, fond du Lac, and Green Bay.  His brother Carl Lind drown in 1844.  Another prominent man was sawyer, Capt. Gabriel Bouck, who led the First Reg. in Winnebago County in 1861.  It contained 89 enlisted men, 2 lieutenants, 5 sergeants, 8 corporals, 2 drummers, and a man to blow taps.

            In 1830 the U.S. government made its first attempt to civilize the Indians, in Wisconsin.  They arranged to build an “Indian town” at Winnebago Rapids (Neenah).  They hired William Dickinson and David Whitney from Green Bay, to build a saw-mill, grist-mill, a blacksmith shop, and 30 small log houses, built ten in each row.  Then completed they, hired 5 farmers with a loan of $300.00 to each.  Also 5 teachers who should receive $60.00 per year plus board. Many Menominee Indians moved into the log huts, but some preferred to live in wigwams.  Some lived beside their hut while others took up the floor and set their tent on bare ground.  But the Indians thought it was more fun to go hunting than to “grub and break land.”  Also more amusing to fish than to learn to read and write.  In 1844 Harrison Reed purchased lay-cut and the settlement was discontinued.  This was the beginning of Neenah.

            At Lake Poygan laid the old Menominee Bay grounds where the Regiments Agent met yearly with Indians from 1838 to 1851, to deal out meat, flour, tobacco, blankets, and some money.  A small detachment of soldiers were provided to maintain order and keep away the “hundred” white salesmen who were present to collect accounts and sell merchandise.  We quote Mitchell and Osborn’s history of pay-day:  -----

            “Whites and half-breed traders, who for the year past had been scattered over the county, trapping with the Indians for furs, maple sugar, and cranberries would sure manage to be on the ground at pay day.  Merchants from Appleton, Neenah, Oshkosh, Milwaukee, Prairie du Chien, Chicago, and elsewhere, would each lay in a stock of Indian goods which about the appointed time were shipped to the grounds.  Gamblers in flocks like wild geese, were seen flying northward.”

            Eating houses were distributed over the ground in profusion.  The only thing prohibited here was spiritual liquors, consequently large quantities were offered for sale upon the outskirts of the forbidden grounds, and sub rosa under the very droppings of the pay-house.

            The agent, having distributed the goods brought for the purpose, and everything in readiness, he proceed to pay out the money, specie.  As the interpreter calls the name of the head of the family from the roll, the individual so called enters the pay-house, walks up to the counter, reports the number of his family, and if this corresponds with the number in the roll, he receives the amount for the entire family, and secreting items far as possible under his blanket, he emerges from the buildings exit and passes along between two files of soldiers who protect him for a considerable distance from a mob of traders, who are greedily awaiting a chance to pounce upon him.  He no sooner passes the last soldier than he is seized by several of the motley crowd, each claiming to have an account against him.  In an instant he is stripped of everything that could hold a dime.....Whiskey dispensed, most everyone has reaped a harvest as it comes to a close.

 

Town Of Winchester

 

            It was organized November 11, 1851.  In the following spring election 47 votes were register for the following board:  Chairman = Johannes Amundson Bakkelidstulen.  Supervisors, Anders Jorgenson and George Ohler.  Town Clerk = Sherman R. Hopkins.  Treasurer = Ola Halvorson.  Assessor = Halvor Amundson Bakkelidstulen.  Justice of the Peace = Sherman R. Hopkins, George Ohler, and Johannes Bakkelidstulen.  Constable = William Hall, Perry Hopkins, and Ola Hanson Dalen.

            From 1847, the list of early settlers are as follows:  (Foreign residence deleted.  “& x” means “and wife.”)

            Jerome Hopkins, Sherman Hopkins, Perry Hopkins, Samuel Rogers, oldster Samuel Rogers, James H. Jones, Charley Jones, William Hall, and George Ohler.  First Norwegians:  Andres June, wife and son Halvor.  Soren Wilson & w, Anders Thompson & w, John Rue & w, Christian Johnson Alterud & w, Per J. Alterud & w, Johannes J. Alterud & w, Knut Nilson Luraas & w, Ola Larson & w, Ola Christianson & w, Per Rolstad & w, Holje Mattison & w, Halvor Olson Lia & w parents of Pastor O. H. Lee.

            Ola Uvaas & w, Anders Jorgenson & w, Kitil Skogen & w, Mattis Havre & w, Andres Lia & w, Ola Saubo (Sauby), Johans Saubo & w.  Johannes Sauby & w Anlaug Mork got this homestead.  John Traae & w, Knut Gjeilo & w.  Hans Bjonaasen & w, Holje Maeland & w, Ola Oemnes & w, John Bjondalen & w, Per Stromme & w, parents of writer PER O. STROMME.

            Svend Thomason & w, Bent Peterson & w, John Westgar & w, Hans Westgar & w, Legislator, Johannes Amundson Bakkelidstulen & w, Halvor A. Bakklidstulen & w, Halvor A. Bakkelidstulen & w, Kitel Bakklidstulen & w, Halvor Dalen & w, John Landsverk & w, Ola Bo & w, Ola Juv & w, Halvor Juv & w, Johannes Dahlstrom & w, Soren Juv & w.

            Per Rasmussen & w, John Olson Dalen & w, who was a sister of Knut Gislesen, bishop of Tromso.  Ola Dalen & w, Ola Hanson Dalen & w; Kitil Loftus & w, Ola Waugerud & w, Nil Biken & w, Andres Bestafor & w, Holje Maurud & w, Hans Anderson Kaasa & w, brother Anders married his widow.  Knut Borte & w, Hans Dalen & w, Andreas Mollar & w, Ola Klokkerengen & w, Knut Hanson Bergan & w, Knut died in Andersonville Prison & widow married Peder Lund a church singer, Gunnar Larson & w.

            Torgrim Torgrimson Romnaes & w, Gregor Olson & w, Halvor Kjendalen & w, John Paterson & w, Jens Halvorson Jorstad & w, Lars Amundson Skei & w.

            The first girl to be born in the Town of Winchester was a daughter of a Hopkins family.  The first one who died in the township was Samuel Rogers on September 11, 1850 at age 92.  The first sermon was preached by Pastor Frederik Partridge in 1850.  The first resident pastor was ________ Pastor A. C. Preus who preached in Winchester in 1850.  The congregation up until 1860 had several possibly “mission” pastors, namely A. C. Preus, G. A. Preus, R. Brandt, O. F. Duus, and A. Mikkelson.  E. J. Homme was the first resident pastor.  Later did outstanding church work at Wittenberg, Wisconsin.

            In early days the Norwegian Lutheran Synod had a “split” in the ranks which is being deleted in this translation.  It involved technical aspects of their religion.  They finally joined together again in 1918.

            Winchester and Winneconne became “stop-over” stations for many Scandinavians who came to the “Indian Land”.  At that certain time they came by boat to Manitowoc and Sheboygan, then stagecoach to Fond du Lac, and then boat to Winneconne.  Later boats went to Gill’s Landing and people were met by friends and taken to Waupaca, Scandinavia, and Amherst from there.

 

WAUSHARA COUNTY

 

            Waushara County was organized in 1851 which included the following townships: - Aurora, Bloomfield, Coloma, Dakota, Deerfield, Hancock, Leon, Marion Mount Morris, Oasis, Plainfield, Poysippi, Richford, Rose, Saxville, Springwater, Warren, and Wautoma.

            The first villages were:  Berlin, Red Granite, Plainfield, Saxville, Pine River, Wautoma, Wild Rose, Auroraville, Mount Morris, et al.  The first settlement being in Wautoma where Schuman Bros. built a saw mill in 1848.  Chady & Chamberlain built the first grinding mill in Plainfield, in 1856.  Norwegians began the settlement in Mount Morris in 1850 to 1870.  The early settlers there were as follows: --

            Nils Nilson Haatviet & w, Ole Anderson Lunde & w, Halvor Arveson Lunde, Per Gunnerson Jeen & w, Gullik Arveson & w, Jacob Alfson & w, parents of Pastor A. O. Alfson; Anders A. Peterud & w, Stener Olson & w, Gunnar Haraldson & w, Kjostolf Svenningson & w, Torger Kjostolofson, wife & sons Kjostalf, Eilev, Lars, and Nils.

            Reier Olson, wife and sons Ola, Gustav, and Lars, Lars Anderson Songe & w, Jens Hundare & w, Johannes J. Thorstad & w, Ola Person Selseng & w, Chris Johansen & w, Johans Erickson & w, Kristen Person & w, Ola Bendiksen & w, Bendik Bendiksen & w, Anders Stedje & w, Peter G. Li (Lea) & w, Anders Larson & 2nd wife Isabella.  Erik Henningson & w, Jens Peterson & w, Iver J. Klurdal & w, parents of Pastor G. Klurdal.  Amund Holt & w, & sons Ola, Knut, & Lars.  Bernt Lerom m. twice, Hans Aflund & w, Martin Anderson & w, the Lovdahl family, Jorgan Larson & w, Soren Sotholt & w, Lasse Jensen & w, Anders Sjurson & w, John E. Johnson & w, Lars Bjelde & w, Legislator Jens Ellerson & w.

            Other prominent settlers were Joseph Bird, Jacob S. Hugh, Emil Kemp, William LaSalle, R. W. Millikin, Edwin Montgomery, Charles W. Moore, Edgar Sears, Byron Storm, William E. Webb, Charles White, et al....  Several early settlers of Waushara County were members of the State Legislature.  In Pine River and north into Waupaca County, was a large settlement of Danish people.  Waushara County also had many early German settlers.

            The Holden Norwegian Lutheran congregation was established in 1854 by Pastor O. F. Duus.  Waushara was also a part of the so-called “Indian Land”.

 

WAUPACA COUNTY

 

            The first white man known to have entered Waupaca County was Alfons Hicks from Oshkosh, unless a person should enumerate Charles Carron a Half-breed fur buyer from Mukwa who covered the area from 1838 to 1848.

            The aforementioned Alfons Hicks came up the main Wolf river in a canoe in 1846 and settled at Fremont, which was the first settlement in Waupaca County.

            In 1848 Robert Grignon (a half-breed) and Kimpagne built a saw mill at Mundigen (Royalton) on the Little Wolf River.  Elephet Gordon and son, “Dud Gordon” leased this saw mill, cut a lot of lumber and floated it to Oshkosh and other places.  Clear #1 Pine brought them $4.00 per thousand feet.  The popular Wisconsin Politician, Philetus Sawyer, began there as a hired man in the year of 1848-49.

            Willington, Tibbets, Ostrand and two others came up the Waupaca River and settled at Weyauwega about 1849.  Simon E. Dow, Oberst W. Chandler, and J. M. Vaughn settled between Weyauwega and Waupaca Falls.  G. Caldwell and Jason Rice camped in Walla-walla in Lind Center; Mr. Norman in New London; R. Gastman at Springer Point; Mr. Wilcox at Mundingen on the Waupaca River; Charles Edwards at “Little River”; and G. C. Sessions, J. Hibbard, W. B. Hibbard, Dana Dewey, Capt. David Scott, J. S. Ware, W. B. Cooper, et al at Waupaca Falls.

            The Indian Land was purchased from the Menominee tribe in 1852.  All “claims” to land therein were unlawful according to a statement made by Indian Agent Mr. Bruce of Green Bay.

            In 1848 Theodore Conkey made a Government Survey east of the Wolf River when Outagamie County was organized.  In 1852, Samuel Perry made a Government Survey west of the Wolf River when the following townships were surveyed: --- Fremont, Weyauwega, Mukwa, Royalton, Little Wolf, Union, Lebanon, and Bear Creek.  Larabee, Dupont, Helvetia, and Scandinavia were surveyed by A. B. Walch.  Iola, St. Lawrence, Farmington, Waupaca, Lind, Dayton, and others were also surveyed about the same time.

            Waupaca County was organized by legislative act in January, 1851, and was approved the 17th of February of the same year.

            The little village of Mukwa became the first county seat (possibly temporarily) following an election at the dwelling of H. Ralphs held April 1, 1851.  At that time the entire county was one township.  The following residents were elected: ----

                        Chairman = Captain David Scott

                        Supervisors = T. Caldwell & P. Meiklejohn

                        Town Clerk  = C. L. Gumaer

                        Treasurer = George W. Taggart

                        Justice of the Peace = Moses Chandler, Albion Brandy,

                                    J. C. Ware, & John Boyd.

                        No assessors or constables were elected.

            On the 6th of May the Town Board held its first meeting.  It was decided to pay a $5.00 bounty for each wolf shot in the County.

            On October 7th somehow it was decided to have two voting places to be held on the same day to decide the location of the county seat at (1) Weyauwega, or (2) Waupaca Falls.  At the home of advocate W. C. Cooper in Waupaca Falls, and at the house of A. Tibbets in Weyauwega.  The following were elected: ---

                        Sheriff = John M. Vaughn

                        Reg. of Deeds = W. C. Cooper

                        County Treas = C. G. P. Hovart

                        County Surveyor = George W. Taggart

                        County Clerk = James Smiley

                        Coroner = John Boyd.

                        County Judge and Clerk of Court were elected later.  The newly elected officers were then sworn in.

            They proceeded to give personal bonds for one another for a thousand dollars each.  As they had no cash money, no chattels, & no improved property, the personal bonds were not worth the paper it was written on.

            So, -- after they were all applauded, the newly elected county officers were “ready-for-business”.  A substantial part of the County had now been laid out with some settlers in each vicinity, they soon started the famous “County Seat War”.  It developed into a long and bitter controversy as to which location should hold the county seat, namely Waupaca, Weyauwega, or Mukwa.  Various issues were raised whereby a controversy arose between Chamberlain and Smiley accusing them of “neglect of duty”.  They were arrested and because the county had no jail, they were taken to the Portage County Jail in Plover!  The peace dove finally released them on their own recognition.

            Several times they voted on the question, but it would come up again and again.  One day ten husky men from Weyauwega appeared to “take over” the county affairs, but soon found they were outnumbered.  After a few hefty drinks, they were put on the road and told to return to the places they came from.  It could not be said that the Waupaca settlers did not give their “guests” a goodly send-off!

            A Swedish saw mill operator, Olaf G. Droiser took up the issue by suggesting a neutral location in the central part of the county, but the “wilderness” did not appeal to the settlers of Waupaca, Weyauwega, and Mukwa.  Droiser secured another advocate, Caleb Ogden, to promote Ogdensburg, where they erected a saw mill.  This did not meet with public favor as each of the three communities already had their followers out to promote their local interests.

            When Droiser finally saw he could not win, he was somewhat undecided where to swing his weight.  He had a goodly following amongst the Norwegians, so the people of Waupaca soon befriended him to move to Waupaca.  About this time he had a falling out with his partner in Ogdensburg, which helped him to decide to move to Waupaca.

            To gather support for Waupaca as the county seat, Droiser helped some settlers in the Town of Harrison to get organized (Town 25N, Range 11 East).  Ole O. Wrolstad had begun to build a saw mill in Section #31 (later called Northland).  The report went in, plus its support for Waupaca, and the latter finally won out in the conflict.

 

TOWN OF LIND

 

            Town of Lind was the first township to be organized in Waupaca County in 1852 and got its name from the then popular “Jenny Lind” song.  The name of the first settler can not be recalled, but it is known he was the first man to plow some furrows in the County.  Oberst John Chandler and Simon Dow arrived in 1849.

TOWN OF WEYAUWEGA

 

            Organized in 1852 and first known as “Tomorrow River”.  The first settler was Henry Turtelott, a half-breed whose wife was a Menominee Indian woman named Kemink.  He operated a small store and bought fur.  This was in 1848.  Later that year arrived Amos Dodge and M. Lewis.  The settlement was known as “Turtillots Camp”.  When the little village was incorporated in 1856, the name of both the township and village became “Weyauwega”.  The chief’s body could not rest there in peace as it was a custom in those days to send the skull to the Smithsonian Institute in Washington.

            The first newspaper, the Weyauwegan, was started in 1855 with William. E. Tomkins as the editor.  The little settlement at Gills Landing, where there was so much traffic in the beginning, is now of insignificant importance, the landing being low ground at the confluence of the Tomorrow River, Weyauwega being located up the river a short distance.

 

TOWN OF MUKWA

 

            It was organized in 1852 and remembered largely for being in the County Seat War.  The half-breed buyer, Charles Carron, lived there from 1838 to 1848.

            The first white settler built his cabin there in 1848.  In 1850 came Lucius Taft, Ira Miller and others.  The village of Northport was first called Stevens Point, after early settler, Mr. Stevens who built a house there in 1851.  Then the name was changed to New Boston, and later to “Northport”.  This area on the Wolf River is a mile west of New London.

            New London lying partly in the Town of Mukwa and the east portion in Outagamie County, was first named, “Mouth of Embarass” and built in the fifties.  Incorporated in 1877.  The first settler being William McMilland and Ira Millard who came in 1852.  The first newspaper, New London Times, began by A. J. Lawson in 1857.  At this location was an old Indian settlement, the chief of which had many, many wives.

 

TOWN OF DAYTON

 

            The Town of Dayton, south of Farmington, was organized in 1852.  The first settlers being L. Dayton, M. Hitchcock, and Samuel Shaw.

 

TOWN OF CALEDONIA

 

            Organized in 1853.  The first settler was James McHugh, who came in 1849.  John Littlefield and others arrived in 1851.

 

TOWN OF ROYALTON

 

            Royalton was organized in 1853, and the first settlers were, M. Hicks, Leuthold, and Simon Hopkins, who came in 1851.  Hicks built the first hut.  Royalton had the first apple tree in the vicinity.  It had been planted by John Haywood in 1851.  White Lake is the largest lake in the township.  On an island lived Indian “Weyauwega” who raised Indian corn on said island.

 

LANARK

 

            Helgeson includes Lanark in his book, but states that at a later date the five townships bordering on the west, were included with Portage County.

 

BEAR CREEK

 

            The Town of Bear Creek was organized in 1856.  The first settler was Welcome Hyde - 1855.  Ludvik Shoepke & L. G. Phipips, and others came in 1856.  Their log hut was only 16 by 20 feet, but at one time sixteen slept on the floor.

            The little settlement of Symco is in this township on the Little Wolf River.

 

UNION

 

            The Town of Union was organized in 1856, and the first settler was Isaac Ames, who came in 1855.  A. W. Johnson, Ben Dean and others came in 1856.  Error above.  Symco is in this township.

 

FREMONT

 

            The Town of Fremont was organized in 1865.  The first settler was Alfonse Hicks, who came in 1847.  In 1849 came D. Gordon, Harman Mumbru, Ira Summer and others.  Here was the first bridge laid over the Wolf River.  The village was platted in 1850, but not organized until 1888.

            The first newspaper “Fremont Pioneer” was started in 1857 by John M. Dewey.  “Springers Point” was just to the west, but taken in with Fremont soon after.

 

DUPONT

 

            The Town of Dupont was organized in 1864.  The first settler was O. A. Quimby who came in 1857.  Marion lies in this township whose first name was Perris Mills.

 

LARABEE

                       

            The Town of Larabee was organized in 1860, and the first settler was Norman C. Clinton.  Clinton-ville got its name from this man when it was organized in 1877.  Its first newspaper was called “The Dual City Tribune”.

 

LITTLE WOLF

 

            It was organized in 1852 under the name “Centerville”.  The first settler was William Goldberg, who came there in 1848.  James Meiklejohn and Peter Meiklejohn and others came in 1850.  Manawa is in this township.

MATTESON

 

            It was organized in 1860, the first settler being Roswell Matteson in 1855.

 

EMBARASS was organized in 1852 - - - - - -

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOWN OF WAUPACA

 

            The Township of Waupaca was organized in 1852.  “Waupaca” is an Indian name meaning “golden waters”.  The first town meeting was held at the home of Mr. Mackintosh and the following persons were elected: --

                        Chairman = S. F. Ware

                        Supervisors = J. V. Hibbard & _____________________

                        Justice of the Peace = S. F. Ware, Granville Jones,

                                    W. B. Hibbard, & M. Chamberlain

                        Constable = A. M. Garde

            The village of Waupaca was first called “Vermonters Camp”, then “Waupaca Falls” and then “Waupaca”.  The old Norwegians always called it “The Falls” or “County Seat”.  The village became incorporated under the name “Waupaca” in 1857.  Its first officers were:

                        President = David Scott

                        Trustees = James Chesley, W. C. Lord, G. T. Miller, W. Scott, & C. L. Bartlett

                        Village Clerk = Winfield Scott

                        Treasurer = G. B. Mooney

                        Street Commissioner = G. B. Mooney.

            In 1875 the Village became a city, and its first officers were: ---

                        Mayor = Charles Wright

                        Aldermen = First Ward:  G. L. Lord, Caleb S. Ogden

                                                 Second Ward:  J. W. Evans & W. Wheeler

                                                 Third Ward:  M. N. Baldwin & B. J. Brown

                        City Clerk = J. J. Wheeler

                        Treasurer = Edwin Sellect

                        Assessors = George Howlett & H. H. Chandler

                        Chief of Police = Edgar Bangle

                        Police Justice = Samuel Bailey

                        Street Commissioner = Timball T. Chandler

 

THE FIRST WAUPACA SETTLERS

 

            In the month of June, 1849, Joseph Hibbard, W. B. Hibbard, G. C. Sessions, and others from Plymouth in Sheboygan County, visited the area to look over new locations in the “Indian Land”.  After a good deal of wandering, they came upon the Waupaca Falls.  (They must have come across Lake Winnebago, up the Wolf River, and then west on the Tomorrow River).  There they slept the first night under the stars, where the Court House now stands [on Main Street].

            The next day they chopped down trees on the north side of the falls and built a hut with walls and roof of brush.  This was then called “Vermonters Camp”, later called “The Tomorrow River Country”.

            A couple of weeks after the “Vermonters” brought word about Waupaca Falls, another expedition left from Plymouth.  It was Alonzo Vaughn, J. M. Vaughn, W. B. Cooper, John Taylor and others.  After considerable wandering, they came upon the Vermonters Camp.

            One of the party rolled out some dough on an oak stump in thin layers, and baked it on a fire of coals.  The newly arrived guests were very hungry, and proceeded to devour everything in a short time.  The cook was told that he could get out in the world with his new profession.  He informed them that all provision had been eaten, and that the “festival” would have to be delayed until provisions could be brought from the Henry Turtelott Camp in Weyauwega.

            Later that year came S. J. Ware, Capt. David Scott, Dana Dewey and others.  In 1850 came W. C. Lord, Methodist pastor, Silas Miler, and the Swedish saw-mill operator, Olaf C. Droiser.

            The first boarding house was built by B. C. Cooper in 1849, and the first house by J. M. Vaughn.  It was built of Poplar logs and a roof of bark, and chinked with moss and mud.  A floor mat was used for a door.  IN this house the Methodist pastor held the first religious service in Waupaca County.  The first white child, Mary Hibbard was born in May, 1850.  The first funeral in 1850 was for Joel Deiter.  The first wedding for Thomas Billington and Emma Baxter was held in 1851.  The first school house was built in 1851 and its first teacher was Miss Dora Thompson.  The first church (Methodist) was built in 1853.  The first Circuit Court was held in this building by Judge Cate in 1854.  The first Court House was not erected until 1855.  When the Methodist built a frame church, the old building was used as a blacksmith shop.

            The first store was built by Wilson Holt in 1851.  The first saw mill was built by Pastor Silas Miller, and the first timber cut September 10, 1850.  The first grist mill was built and operated by W. C. Lord and Wilson Holt in 1851.  The first post office was operated by Capt. David Scott in 1851.  The first post route from Green Bay to Plover via Mukwa was opened the same year with Olaf E. Droiser as currier.  The first sawyer was W. G. Cooper, and the first doctor was missionary Dr. Rev. Cutting March in 1851.  The first newspaper entitled “Waupaca Spirit” was printed in 1853.

            Others who came in the fifties were Judge Caleb C. Ogden from New York and wife Katherine Hoag.  He came first to Plover in 1848 as a storekeeper and farmer.  He then built a saw mill and grist mill in Ogdensburg.  When it burned he built a mill on the Little Wolf, started the Waupaca Post and New London Times, and was County Judge for many years.

            Dr. Linius B. Brainard (1805-18_5) was a doctor, teacher, and mill supervisor.  Dr. George H. Calkins from New York, and wife Caroline Jenkins.  Also a jurist who became assemblyman in 1874.  Dr. George R. Taylor from England and wife Eliza Herron, who first become a tin-smith and later a doctor in Waupaca.  Also doctors Theyer, Peasley, and Dimmok.  Saw mill operator Edward L. Brown, Myron Reed, and G. Sessions, all assemblymen.  Business man Richard Lee and C. N. Roberts, both from England.  Banker H. E. Mead.

            Of the Swedish were Olaf G. Droiser, O. E. Brown one time county treasurer, and A. G. Nilson, who has been both mayor and assemblyman.  Of the Danish were Episcople pastor, M. J. Sorenson who was county clerk for 14 years, Ole R. Olson, one time register of deeds, and business man Ole Larson and others.

            Of the Norwegians were Hakon Nordi from Finnmark (1819-1894) and wife Mary Jane Hudson.  He studied both in Christiania and Copenhagen and mastered 5 languages.  He was called the “living encyclopedia”.  Business man Andreas Nilsen Brennon from Gausdal, wife Elisa Loberg (1843-1887), who was register of deeds 4 years.  Second wife was Maria Anderson.  Business man Anton Johnson, and Ola Lodsen from Sogn.  Also brand inspector Lars Larson, Andreas Gassman, miller from Fossum, and Clerk of Circuit Court, Ingbrit Ovrom from Skien.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOWN OF FARMINGTON

 

            Town of Farmington was organized in 1853.  The first meeting was held at the home of John Fisher and the following elected:

                        Chairman = Granville Jones

                        Supervisors = Merrik Barton & O. C. Brown

                        Town Clerk = Francis Beardmore

                        Town Treasurer = O. C. Brown

            The first settlers were Granville Jones and Roswell Hicks who came in 1849.  The early Swedish settlers were:  O. C. Brown, and wife, Ottis Beck & w, John Norden & w, Hans Olfson (1796-1870) & w Stina, Hans Olfson Jr. & w Margaret Thompson, Johan Dalbrink, Johan Dalbri (1787-1864) & w Anna (1796-1868).  His son was born in 1822 & died in 1887, Anders C. Erickson (1830-1889) & w Kristina, Lars Larson from Fjederlund from Helsingland (1809-1892) & w Anna Kristina (1807-1885), Olaf Hedland (1840-1898) & w Martha (1838-1903), Peter Thomason (1802-88) & w Karin (1807-1901), Peter Olfson (1834-88), Erick Fisher, John Peterson, Olaf Peterson, Olaf Johanson with family, Gustav Sodersten (died 1909) & w Berit Torgerson.

            Danish families were:  John Fisher & w, Jorgen Hansen a tailor (1827-72) & w Maria, she remarried Anders Erickson from Forde, Jens Christenson & w Karen Marie (1813-88), Son Kristen Jensen & w Marie, Christian Johnson & w Isabella Buckanan, Soren Jensen Uhrenholdt & w Kristine Toren, Peder Sorenson and several others.

            Norwegian families were;  from Seterdalen:  Ola Knutson Norenae & w Kjersti, son Knut Olson Ronera & w Gonne Krostu, Olaf Knutson Brendebakke & w, son Knut Braendebakke & w, Thorbjorn Braalson & w Birgit, Lisle Knut Salveson & w Berte, Olov Knutson & w Maria Norenaa, Amund Salveson Torve & w Anne Norenaa, Thomas Gunneson Borgen (1827-82) & w Ingeborg (1823-97).

            Mari Krostu (Krostoga) mother of Ola Sigurdson Krostu, Ola Sigurdson Krostu (1809-1885) & w Gro (1808-96).  Sigurd Olson Krostue & w Thurid; Gunnar Olson Krostue (1844-1904) & w Tone; Niri Krostue born 1909; Gunnar O. Krostue, a boy; Bug Severson; Gullik Swenson and family; Torjus Torgerson & w Thora Svenson (1843-88); Svend Torgerson & w and others.

            From Telemarken:  Ola Sandviken & son John and Kristian; Sigurd Gunnusson Grimsrud (1829-1911) & w Lisbet Sandviken (1832-61); Sigurd G. was married to Anne Nykaas from Sande.  Anders Nykaas & w; son Tom Anderson Nykaas & w Helga Merde; young man Torfild Anderson; Torger Baa & w Bergit Sandviken; Jorgen Billikson Jaerkaasen & w;

            From Holt & area:  Hans Peter Johnson (1818-96) & w Ingeborg (1816-75).  Son John J. Johnson & w Berit Kvie; Son Anders J. Johnson ((1844-99) and w Jorgine Rosholt (1848-1928); Son Hans J. Johnson, theology candidate & pastor; Ole Anderson Solberg & w Charlotte; Ole married again to Oline Myklebust; Per Anderson & w Ingeborg Lia; Lars Olson & w Maren; Son Ola Larson & w Anderson.  Nils Erikson Li & w.

            Those who came later were:  Anders Erikson & w; Ola Rasmussen & w Stina; Ole N. Rasmussen from Danmark (died 1909) & w 1-Anne, 2-Gurine Dalen & 3-Mathea Thulien; Carl Olson Hval & w Maria; Lars Olson Hval & w Berte from Hadeland; Christian Larson & w Mathea Mortenson; Carl Peterson Hoijord (Hoyord) & w Ingeborg Sether; Isak Isakson & w Mathea; and Simon Hanson Lindveit & w, and others.

            Alvin Sether, a three year old son of Isac & Karen Sether, drown in Johan Peterson’s mill pond in town of Scandinavia.

            W. H. Sipperly was the first postmaster & storekeeper in Farmington.  S. Leonard operated the first saw mill and changed it into a grist mill in 1874.

            WISCONSIN VETERANS HOME lies partly in Farmington.  Indians called the Chain-O-Lakes, “She-she-pe-ko-naw” meaning, -- “Stretching-water”.

            In Sheridan - Kristian Johanson was the first businessman.

            The first district school was built in District #1.  The first Norwegian school was conducted by the author Thor Helgeson in 1865.  The Norsk-dansk-svensk Lutheran church was organized in the late sixties.  They separated in the ‘70’s, -- the Norwegian and the Swedish have their own, and the Danes joined churches in the city of Waupaca.

 

TOWN OF SCANDINAVIA

 

            Town of Scandinavia was organized in 1854, the first meeting having been held at the home of Hans Jacob Eliasson Oksom.  The following were elected: --

                        Chairman:  Ola Olson Reine

                        Supervisors:  Jacob T. Rosholt & I. G. Twetan

                        Town Clerk:  Thomas Knoph (Storekeeper)

                        Treasurer:  Kristopher Olsen Saeter

            Mr. Tvieten remarked as follows at the next meeting:  “We contacted the Swedish professor Ole Droiser to help us organize the township in a lawful manner because we did not understand the detailed routine to follow.  It was a question what name should be chosen for the township.  Hans Eliason suggested “Oksom” his Norwegian farm name, as he was the first settler.  Another person suggest his home area of Eidanger, but said that in Norge they did not always say “Ei-danger”, but shortened it to “Danger”.  Droiser said, “Did you say, ”DANGER”?  “Yes” the man replied.  Mr. Droiser wrote the letter out D-a-n-g-e-r!!!  No -- that would certainly not be a good name to call it the “Town of Danger”.  He then gave the English meaning.  Eventually they decided that the settlers from Norway, Denmark, and Sweden would certainly agree that “SKANDINAVIA” should please all of them, and the name was adopted.

            Knut Nilsen Luraas was the first settler in the Town of Scandinavia.  He came from Winnebago County (Winneconne or Winchester) in 1850.  Osten (Austin) Olson Mollerflaten from Telemark (1804-61) & w Lisbet Sandviken (1811-82); Lars Larson Hasler from Eidanger, who married Turi Johnson; Hans Jacob Eliasson (1810-78) & w Anne Kirstine (1813-81).  Kristian Olson & w Oline Hasler of Eidanger,.  Daughter Ina (Mrs. Magnus Bryneteson was the first Norwegian child born in the township.

            Oline Hasler died soon after, and was the first death recorded in the vicinity. Kristian Olson married 2nd time to Marta Kjendalen.  Gunstein Toffefson Krostu, from Saetersdalen (1826-1907) & w Sigrid Naeset (1830-91). Their son Taddiev Krostu, born 1850, was the first Norwegian male child born in the area.  Tolleiv brother, Gunstein is a pastor at Koshkenong, and Tolleiv’s son Oskar is also a pastor.  From 1851 and on, many Scandinavians came and settled in the Town of Scandinavia.

            Jacob Tollefson Rosholt from Steinsholt in Lardal (1818-1898) & w Johanne Kristiana (1820-1901).  Johanne was of English parentage but she was born in the north part of Lardal.  A Realf Wright left England as a boy on the “Gildenlove” and married Hanna Morgensdatter.  Their son Lars Realfson Wright, and again his son, Andreas Kristian Larson Wright, born in 1723 married Johanne Pedersdatter Linsett, 1725.  Their son Lars Andereasson Wright married Johanne Kielman.  Their daughter, Kristiana Larsdatter Wright married Jacob Gunderson Smed and their daughter, Johanne Kristiana, (1830-1901), married Jacob Tollefson Rosholt.  Their children were: --Tollef J. Rosholt (1843-1910); Jorgine (1845-1938) married Anders Johnson, and lived in Sec. 11 of Farmington; John Gilbert, born in Pine Lake in 1850, took over homestead in Sec. 4 of Scandinavia, ran saw mill at Graham Lake until 1884, then to Alban in 1884, got railroad into village in 1903; James, Julius  & Joakim.  James farmed in western Minnesota, Julius lived in Minneapolis, and Joakim located in Stanley, Wisconsin and later in Eau Claire.

            Jacob Jensen Listul from Gjerpin & w Berte.  Their daughter Ingeborg was first married to Gjeruld Jorgenson.  Her second husband was Svenning Ellefson from Holt.

            Jacob Lystul came up with Jacob Toffefson Rosholt from Pine Lake (Oconomowoc) in 1851 to look at the “Indian Land”.

            Andreas Waller from Gjerpen & w Jorand Listul, daughter of Torfel J. Listul.  Their son Albert Waller died quite young.  Torkel Johnson Listul from Gjerpen (1795-1878) & w Turine (1797-1877), -- son John L. & w Ingeborg Jacobson Tudal, and their son Ola T. Listul & w Johanne.

            Ingebrit Erickson Tveitan (1819-96) from Slemdal & w Ingeborg (1830-87), a daughter of Ola Anderson Colverud.  Their son Peter Erickson & w Agnete Hanson from Gaustal have acquired their homestead.  Ingebrit’s father died on the Atlantic, and his son Johan C. died quite young.

            Ola Rollefson (1821-96), from Nesherrid, & w Margit (1812-92).  Son Halvor R. & w Gina Kjendalen acquired the homestead.  A son, Rollef, died quite young.

            John Torkelson Bestul, (father of Rasmus J. Bestul, Torkel J. Listul, and John J. Swenholt), fell aboard ship, lived several months and died at the home of Amund A. Brekke.  He was on e of the first adults to be buried in the Scandinavia Cemetery.

            Rasmus Johnson Bestul from Gjerpen (1799-1883) & w Dorthe Hogstad from Slemdal.  Son John Rasmussen Bestul & w Sigrid from Gausdal.  Son Nils R. Bestul & w Gurine Brekke from Sandaver.  Son Jacob Bestul & w Inger Marie Lysekjon from Slemdal.  Son Ole R. Bestul & w Maren Kvie from Vang, Walders.  Jonas, son of John R. Bestul is a pastor in the west, and Jacob Bestul’s son Redvin Bestul is the banker in Scandinavia.  Jacob & Ole Bestul acquired Rasmus Bestul’s homestead.

            Anund Amundson Brekke from Sandsver (1822-1908) & w Ingeborg Rasmusdatter Bestul (1827-1901).  Their two oldest sons, Andrew and Rasmus moved to Alban, and their third son Lewis Brekke has acquired the old homestead, with sisters Maren and Ida.

            Peder Olson Hoijord & w Anne.  Son Ola P. Hoijord & w Anne Karine Voldengen from West Toten, also Mathias & w Bolette Voldengen, acquired the homestead.  Ola Hoijord died suddenly on May 8, 1914.

            Gardner Torger Hanson from Naes, born 1785 & died suddenly December 21, 1859.  Gardner for Jacob Aal, became involved in the Swedish War.  While being sent to Kobenhavn, the boat was captured and taken to Goteborg, Sweden, and taken to a prison.  There he became gardner for an army officer.  After many months he was released on a pass as a courier and got back to Norge.  He came to Amerika with his son J. J. T. listed below.

            Son Jens Jacob Torgerson(1810-1911), and 2nd w Anne Anderson (1822-87), Jens Jacob celebrated his 100-year birthday on December 13, 1910.  Son Rev. Torger Andreas, became Pres. of Norwegian Synod’s Iowa District.  His son August inherited the same position.  His son Fritjof Torgerson (190__ lives near the old country home at Northwood, Iowa.  Other children were:  Andreas, Bolette, Anne, grandmother of translator, Lester Peterson, Mathilde, mother of Norman, Jacob, Jens, Carl, Milton, & Laura; Lovise; Thomas, Strom, Adolph, and Duus who took over the homestead in Section 3.

            Harald Evenson Gulset from Skien (died in 1907) & w Karen Helgeson (died 1910).  Their son Edwin was a graduate of Luther College and the University of Wisconsin.  Their son Gustave Adolph (1858-85), was a student at Luther College.

            Herman Hermanson (Lilleholdt) from Holt (1819-92) & w Gunhild Anderson (1816-89).  (Gunhild was a sister-in-law of J. J. Torgerson).  Son Herman Andreas (1852-98) & w Clara Hoijord, lived on homestead for a while.  Now it is owned by Peder Bestul.

            Ole Kristenson Gurholt from Slendal (1823-1905) & w Gunhild R. Bedstul.  One of their sons now has their homestead.  Per Kr. Gurholt (1822-1911) & w Berte.  Their daughter who is married to Thomas Kvie, now owns the farm.

            Jacob Krist Gurholt & w Guri Riste, - mother Marta Gurholt (1793-1858).  Young man Oluf Pederson residing at Hellom Lake north of cemetery.  Joakin Fleischer.  Andreas Vaage & w Daniel Tollefson from Oslo & wife.

            Hartvik Pederson from Kragero (1786-1897) & w Anne (1801-73).  Son Johan Hartvik (1826-1913) & w Randi Hageman (1827-83), acquired this homestead which is now owned by John Harviks son, Halbert H. & w Stina Mortenson from Ringebu.  Thor Hartvik died in the “Citizen’s War”.

            Kristian Pederson Hagehaugen from Gausdal & w Oline.  Kris was married again to Torine Ronningen.  He was better known as Kristian Nygaard.  Sons Ole & Peter & daughter Lovise inherited each a farm.

            Jacob Pederson Kjendalen from Eidanger (1790-1869) & w Kari.  They had three sons, Soren, married to Anne Juv (1835-84); Anders (1827-75) & w Anne Olstad; & Ola & w Lena -- they had three daughters.

            Hans Anderson Tveitan from Lundeherred (1825-1900) & w Ragnhild Kjendalen.  Son Henry & w Ida acquired their homestead.

            Jens Thorsen Hellom from Modom (1809-72) & w Karen Hagemoen.  After several owners came Doctor Michael Ravn of Merrill, Wis., regarded as an out-standing doctor of his day.  (A quarter mile north of Cemetery).

            Single men Mathias & John Jesse from Gausdal.  Young man, Ola Rustad from Gausdal, better known as “Ole Bull”.  Single man, Levor Letmolien, Thorstein Thorsteinsom from Hellingdal, C. Jensen, better known as “Fisher Jensen”, who had a small shop where he sold fish and herring.

            Jacob Larson Hasler from Eidanger, who had several nick-names, & w Birgit (1818-05/25/1880).  Son Martin, and son Olaves acquired the homestead.  Hans Anderson Valstad (or Balstad) from Gjerpen sold his farm and moved to Antigo and died there.  Their children are:  Anna, Ida, Andrew, Otto, Laura, Emma, and Amanda.

            Lars Erickson Tveitan (1827-1908) & w Maren Gurholt, both from Slemdal.  Sons Kristian & Edward own this homestead.

            Jacob Jacobson Nygaard from Haugesund (1793-1853) & w Anne Katrine (died in 1884).  Her grandfather was from Holland.  Their son Stephen Jakobson Nygaard & w Thora Knutso